Local Notes: Ballintubber U16A team defeat Ballina Stephenites in championship.
Ballintubber U16 A Championship team who beat Ballina Stephenites 2-12 to 0-9 in the county championship last week. Picture by Tom Quinn
In Group 3 of the Mayo GAA Connacht Gold Senior Club Championship, Ballintubber host Charlestown Sarsfields at 7pm in Round One at Clogher on next Friday evening August 8. While Ballintubber will enjoy home advantage they should be wary of the traditional stylists Charlestown who have some very potent forwards. Ballintubber’s league form was solid when they played with a full deck. They played some very attractive fast attacking football. A repeat of the same will be required for victory on Friday evening.
Lough Carra Bioblitz will take place at Moore Hall on Saturday, August 16, from 10am to 4pm. Join up for a fun day of nature discovery and survey at Moore Hall as part of National Heritage Week 2025. This unique free event is open to all nature lovers of all ages to help record as many species as possible in a single day - birds, plants, insects, mammals, and more. Set in the stunning landscape of Moore Hall’s historic estate, Co. Mayo, managed by Mayo County Council, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn about biodiversity while contributing to vital conservation data.
Enjoy hands-on activities, kids’ nature trails, and the opportunity to learn how to identify species through biodiversity survey apps. It’s free, family-friendly, and a fantastic way to celebrate the natural heritage of the area. Find out more and book your tickets on our Eventbrite page. This Project is delivered as part of the Our Lake, Our Heritage project, thanks to funding from The Heritage Council.
Ballintubber Abbey admin personnel were absolutely delighted with the big turnout at the recent Monday night “Community Conversation at Ballintubber Abbey”.
Those in attendance got to share updates on the development and maintenance plans, express their views on the progression of the project and give valuable feedback and suggestions - many of which are already being taken on board. Thank you to everyone who came, listened, and contributed so thoughtfully. If you’d like to get involved - whether it’s through fundraising, volunteering, or simply being part of something special Ballintubber Abbey admin personnel would love to hear from you.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held on Monday, July 28. The numbers drawn from the drum were 4, 15, 34 and 36. Consolation prize winners were Labhaoise Mannion, Jim Lennon, John Boyle, Martin Joe Burke and TC Connolly. The latest draw will had a jackpot of €13,500 up for grabs.
The following were the lucky winners of the weekly card game held on Monday, July 28: After 13 games, 1st prize winners were Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes. Pat Griffith and Chris Turner shared 2nd place with Majella Corbett and Jimmy Sheridan. 3rd place went to Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. After a playoff for the best of the last ten, Noel Costello and Breege Jennings emerged as winners. Mary Brennan and Philip White won the raffle prizes.
Ballyglass Community Council host a presentation on the meaning of Ballyglass Townlands and historical features in the area, together with the unveiling of a wall hanging showing all those townlands and physical features, in Ballyglass Community Centre on August 21 at 7pm. This event takes place during National Heritage Week. There is no admission charge and all are welcome.
The next Ballyglass Market will be held on Saturday, August 23, in Ballyglass Community Centre. Save the date and net a bargain.
Congrats to Alan Plunkett, formerly of Moorehall and now happily ensconced in Shrule/Glencorrib who starred in the Mayo Masters recent 6pt win against Limerick. The mercurial Alan was one of the greatest long serving and talented players ever to wear the red and white shirt of Ballintubber with in excess of 30 years’ service with the club.
On the Feast of Assumption and too mark the Jubilee Year of Pilgrimage of Hope, it is planned to celebrate Mass on Church Island for the whole parish and visitors on Friday, August 15, at 7.30pm. All cars should park at Ger Barnacle’s Field, where a shuttle bus will take people from 6.40pm onwards onto the Island.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €11,200 on Sunday night July 27. The numbers drawn were 1, 15, 30 and 34. Consolation prizes went to Ann Cannon, Peter Kilcoyne, John Flatley, Stephanie Horn, Conor Heneghan and Seamus Burn. The jackpot stood at €11,300 on last Sunday night, August 3.
If you fancy getting your hands on €10,000 and supporting Ballintubber club - then purchase a County Board Club Development Draw ticket now. The first draw takes place on August 9. Ballintubber GAA Club has extended thanks to the Dylan Quirke Foundation for carrying out assessments of some of the club Bord ná nÓg players. Anyone that wants to can donate at the link advertised on the Club Facebook page.
Ballintubber admin require a caretaker/cleaner at Ballintubber Abbey. The job description and duties rota and qualification details are available on the Abbey Facebook page. This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Accredited training will be provided to support your career. To register your interest you can contact an Employment Personal Advisor (EPA) in your local Intreo Centre. To apply: Email your interest or CV to: manager@ballintubberabbey.ie.
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In Round 1of theTreenlaur Catering Junior Championship, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh play Northern Gaels on next Saturday, August 9, at 5pm. Referee John Clancy. The amalgamated North Mayo side will put up a stern challenge but the Gaeltacht men are renowned for their tough never-say-die attitude on the playing field and hopefully will romp home.
The annual Ceol na Locha festival in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh will run this year from Monday, August 11 until Friday, August 15. Traditional music classes will run each day from 10am to 2pm with top tutors. Night time will see a vast array of entertainment, with traditional sessions and ceile’s in local venues around Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. Details and bookings for all classes are available from 094 9544295.
Hurling is one of the most magnificent field games in the universe. Maigh Tuireadh Hurling and Camógaí club have extended ‘go raibh míle maith agaibh’ to all for the most generous support in the recent, annual church gate collection. The generosity is greatly appreciated and the funds raised are helping to promote the wonderful game in the South Mayo area, bringing the skills to younger children and helping teams to compete at all ages.
The death has occurred of Willian Vincent McDonnell, Woodview, Portroyal, Partry, and late of Templeogue, Dublin. William passed away peacefully in the care of the Palliative staff in Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family on July 25. Predeceased by his parents Katie and William, sons Owen and Liam, brothers Seamus, Anthony and Daniel and sister Marie (Pullen), he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Marie, daughter Lisa, grand-daughter April, grandson NJ, great-grandson Casey and his father Christopher, brothers Paddy and Philip (Dublin), sister Theo (Perry, Manchester), daughter-in-law Rosanna, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
William’s remains reposed at his home on Tuesday, July 29, from 5.30 until 7pm. The removal of his remains took place on Wednesday morning at 9am for Requiem Mass at 10am in Ballintubber Abbey followed by cremation ceremonies afterwards in Mount Jerome Crematorium at 3.15pm. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
D’imir na buachaillí fé Tuar Mhic Éadaigh vs Sruthair Gleanncorrib an seachtain seo chaite. Chríochnaigh an cluiche ar comh scór Tuar Mhic Éadaigh 2-12 Shrule/Glencorrib 2-12. The U14 boys played Shrule Glencorrib in their final championship group match yesterday evening in Shrule. The match ended in a draw Tuar Mhic Éadaigh 2-12 Shrule Glencorrib 2-12. A draw was enough for the TMÉ lads to finish in second place in their group which qualifies them for a county semi-final in August.
Acres (West Connacht) project officers will hold clinics in each of the local areas in the last week of every month. Any queries persons have on commonage scoring, NPIs, landscape actions or general queries on ACRES please pop in and chat to your local project officer.
Partry and Tourmakeady Communities and Tourmakeady CLG gathered recently to pay tribute and mark the retirement of Garda Tom Fleming who had spent the past 18 years working in the community. A number of presentations were made to Tom and his wife Maura from a very appreciative community who deeply appreciated the years of service of the genial Tom, who has often been hailed as “the ideal community Police Man”. Thanks have been extended to Nora McHugh and the Halla team for organising the event. Tom and his wife Maura are wished good health, and many happy decades in their retirement.
Killawalla Community Playschool Committee wish to form a reserve panel of playschool and sfterschool staff for September 2025. This panel will be called on to provide substitute cover throughout the year. Expressions of interest are sought from candidates with minimum QQ1 Fetak Level 5in Early Childcare. Email CVs and cover letter to Killawallaschool.com and /or phone 086 3953961.
Congratulations to Michael Conway and Denise Kenny who were married on a recent weekend in Galway. The couple are wished good health and a joyous married life in the years ahead.
A Poultry Sale takes place at McEvilly’s Pub, Killawalla, on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Joe on 086 1520460 or Johnny on 087 2233245 for details.
Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights each week. Congrats to Tom and Eileen Byrne, Partry who were recent winners of the weekly flutter.
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Belcarra Community are calling all athletes and sports enthusiasts - young and old to a fun sports day at Belcarra Recreational Park. The date for the Gala Sports Day is on next Sunday, August 10. Save the date and come along to a fulfilled day for all the family. A wide range of activities will be happening including tug-of-war, handball, welly throwing, poc fada, ping-pong, sack race, basketball shoot out, egg and spoon, skipping, penalty shoot-out and an autism friendly fun zone.
Belcarra community are once again holding their annual 8k run on next Sunday, August 10. The scenic village will welcome walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities to what hopefully will be a hugely entertaining day. Last year's event had over one hundred participants, and it is always tops in the runners' calendar in Mayo. For the main run at 11am, participants can register online (link on Belcarra Ireland socials) or in person, in Belcarra Community Centre, from 9.30am on Sunday, August 10. Tickets are €15 for over 16s, and €25 for a family. As usual, you can expect a warm welcome, a friendly atmosphere, and welcome refreshments afterwards.
The death has occurred of Finnuala Carney, Frenchill, Breaffy, Castlebar and Castlehill Park, Turlough Road, Castlebar. Finnuala passed away peacefully on July 27, at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar. Predeceased by her parents Martin (Matt) and Cecilia (née Gallen) Carney, Frenchill, she is deeply regretted by her loving sons Darren and Gary and her daughter-in-law Orla (née Dalton) Claremorris and her brother Sean (Dublin), her adored grandchildren Jayden, Matthew, Sophie, Hanorah and Olivia, her aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and her good friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Finnuala’s remains reposed in Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar on last Tuesday, July 29, from 6pm until 7.30pm. The removal of her remains from Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home took place on last Wednesday at 11am, arriving at St. Aloysius Church, Breaffy for Funeral Mass at 11.30am. After the Funeral Mass Finnuala was laid to rest in Breaffy Cemetery. May she rest eternally 9n the peace and happiness of heaven.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €12,900. The jackpot stood at €12,800 on Sunday, July 27. The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 21 and 30 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Corina Gavin, Ailbe Reilly, Gabby Nestor and Lorraine Connor.
Cemetery Masses are being celebrated in local villages at the following dates and times: Monday, August 11, Balla, Tuesday, August 12, Drum, Wednesday, August 13, Elmhall and Thursday, August 14, Guesdian. Large attendances are anticipated to remember those from the Parish who have passed away. May they rest in peace.
The annual Townland v Townland tug of war competition will take place at the Belcarra Sports Day on August 10. Townlands are urged to get your teams ready for the big battle in August: Men’s and Ladies competition -Teams of 8 - 6 pullers + 1 sub and 1 coach. The pride of your townland is at stake - no pressure.
The numbers 12, 20, 30 and bonus number 6 were drawn on July 29, and there was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stood at €16,500 on this Tuesday, August 5.
The death has taken place of Ellen (Eileen) Murphy, Garryduff Court, Castlebar and formerly of Parkboy, Kilboyne, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Eileen passed away peacefully in the exceptional care of the staff in St. Augustine’s Community Nursing Unit, Ballina, surrounded by her family on July 27. Predeceased by her parents Mary and James Murphy and her sister-in-law Mary (Murphy, Kilboyne), she is deeply regretted by her brother Paddy (Kilboyne), sisters Maureen (Lynn, Crossmolina), Kathleen (Conway, Mountdaisy), Margie (McTigue, Cloonee, Headford), brothers-in-law Gerry (Conway) and Hugh (McTigue), nephews, nieces, friends and neighbours and all the staff and residence in St. Augustine’s to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar on last Wednesday, July 30, from 6.30pm with removal at 8pm to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane. Requiem Mass was celebrated on last Thursday at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
The annual general meeting of Ballyheane Foróige will be held on Friday, September 5 at 8.30pm in Ballyheane Community Centre. Membership is open to young people in secondary schools. The club is supervised and parents and guardians of club members are encouraged to volunteer as club leaders. For further information please call Serena on 087 6692462.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Community Centre will be the venue for a ceile on next Saturday night, August 9. Music for the occasion will be by Michael Sexton and his band. Admission is €12.
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Balla Community are packing the festival weekend with laughter, colour, and community craic. Whether you’re 5 or 95, there’s something for everyone. Grab your sunnies, round up the crew, and join us for a feel-good weekend you won’t forget. Don't forget to book your tickets on Eventbrite.
Balla Teenage Disco Link: https://shorturl.at/k9BG2 Colour Run Link: https://shorturl.at/2QVZJ Robotics Link: https://shorturl.at/K1VTI The Balla Colour Fun Run will take place on August 17, at 12 noon.
Special Festival events A summer market on Saturday, August 16, will take place from 10am until 3pm in Balla. There will be a fantastic selection of handmade arts and crafts, home baked goods, knitted gifts, costume jewellery, flower wreaths, candles and much more on the day. There will be bouncy castles on the square.
There will also be a Robotics workshop - build and learn and play on August 16, every hour from 10am to 5pm.
In Round 1 of the Mayo GAA Connacht Gold Senior Club Championship due to be played on Sunday next, August 10 at 3pm, Balla will face Knockmore with Holly/Carra Referee, Kevin Connelly the man in the middle. On paper this seems a tough assignment for Balla who are relatively new to the senior championship but they are a proud club and will do their very best to humble the more experienced North Mayo men on their home turf.
Balla GAAlotto draw was held on the Thursday, July 24, in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €5,200. 15, 27, 28 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Alan Nolan (standing order), Kenneth Moran (standing order) and Margaret Connolly (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, July 31, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €5,300.
Applications for the monitored personal alarm are available at Balla Community Centre for eligible people aged 65 or over. Contact Balla CRD at info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for further information.
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Errew and Clogher.
On Tuesday, August 19, at 7pm there will be a walk to the Sandmartin Bird Wall which was officially launched last year. The wall is the first of its type in Connaught and its purpose is to provide a safe nesting place for the Sandmartin who make a perilous journey each year to and from Africa. They often build in turf banks and are then susceptible to dangers from foxes and other predators. The provision of the wall eliminates this danger. Refreshments will be served afterwards. This event is being organised by the Clogher Environmental Group in conjunction with the weekly Walking Group.
The Clogher Community have recently organised a fundraising draw in order to maintain and support the many initiatives that are taking place in the community. If you would like to support Clogher and have a chance to win €500 each month the cost is just €60 for a year, (12 draws). The first draw will take place at the end of August. For full details please contact: finianjbourke@gmail.com or log on to: https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership.
On Saturday, August 23, there will be a Wild Child Day commencing at 2pm at the Clogher Heritage Complex F12 PF99. This event will introduce children to the wonders of the Bog, Flora and Fauna and an introduction to the Sandmartin Nesting Wall. They will be able to explore the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the bog area. They will also be given an understanding of the connections between the cottage and the bogs in times past.
Afterwards the children will have the opportunity to express their creativity with a painting/drawing event back at the Heritage Complex. All children must be accompanied by an adult and there will be refreshments for both adults and children in the Heritage Complex at the end of the walk. This is an opportunity for adults (parents and grandparents) and children to enjoy an outdoor event together and for adults to share their stories from the past. There will be refreshments at the Cottage after the event. This event is being organised by the Clogher Environmental Group in conjunction with the Walking Group.
The results of the card game held on Friday, July 25, were 1st Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, 2nd Derek Quinn and Tom Fahey, 3rd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith. The last 10 winners were Breege Blake and Bernie Heneghan and Gus Sweeney and Mary McDonagh. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night.
On August 24 each year people flock to the Boheh Stone, 6km south of Westport Town, Co. Mayo, to witness a timeless phenomenon and watch as the setting sun appears to roll down the northern flank of Croagh Patrick. The Boheh Stone is covered with circular engravings and is considered one of Ireland’s finest examples of megalithic art. Whether or not these carvings had spiritual significance to people in the ancient past is open to debate. Similarly, just what the spectacle of the rolling sun meant to our ancestors is unknown. But it is worth seeing. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail will be organising a meeting at Brackloon Community Centre, near Westport in Co. Mayo on August 24, at 7pm, where a local historian will give a talk and answer your questions. They will then walk over to the Boheh Stone to observe the rolling sun phenomenon. There will be a cover charge of €5 which will include refreshments.
For more information you can visit the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail website, cpht.ie, or contact us at info@cpht.ie or at 094 93 60891. The Eircode is F28 E797.
The event is organised by Croagh Patrick Heritage trail in conjunction with Clogher Environmental Group. It is an opportunity for people to experience this phenomenon which takes place twice a year on April 18 and August 24.
